WO1991016853A1 - Machine a reves - Google Patents

Machine a reves Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1991016853A1
WO1991016853A1 PCT/GB1991/000743 GB9100743W WO9116853A1 WO 1991016853 A1 WO1991016853 A1 WO 1991016853A1 GB 9100743 W GB9100743 W GB 9100743W WO 9116853 A1 WO9116853 A1 WO 9116853A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
physical condition
dream
machine according
timer
sleeper
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB1991/000743
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Keith Melvyn Trevor Hearne
Original Assignee
Hearne, Bobbi, Lynn
Oulton, Richard, John
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Hearne, Bobbi, Lynn, Oulton, Richard, John filed Critical Hearne, Bobbi, Lynn
Priority to RU9192016390A priority Critical patent/RU2077866C1/ru
Priority to AU78628/91A priority patent/AU660613B2/en
Publication of WO1991016853A1 publication Critical patent/WO1991016853A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/08—Detecting, measuring or recording devices for evaluating the respiratory organs
    • A61B5/0816—Measuring devices for examining respiratory frequency

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a dream machine and, more specifically, to a machine arranged to awake a sleeper experiencing a dream at a predetermined point in the dream to afford the dreamer recall of the dream.
  • SWS slow wave sleep
  • REM rapid eye movement sleep
  • the longer periods of SWS will occur in the early part of the sleep period and the length of the periods reduce as the sleep period continues whilst the shorter periods of REM sleep occur in the early part of the sleep period and the length of said periods increases as the sleep period continues.
  • a sleeper's ability to recall a dream is dependent upon the point at which the sleeper awakes. If the sleeper awakes in a REM period in which the sleeper is experiencing a dream he, or she, will have immediate and vivid recall of the dream.
  • the ability to recall a dream does not necessarily terminate if the sleeper remains asleep beyond the end of the dream, the ability to recall a dream does fade rapidly at the end of the dream phase but, if awakened after the breathing rate having risen above the predetermined rate and falls to the said predetermined breathing rate, or up to two or three minutes after the monitored breathing rate has fallen below the predetermined breathing rate the sleeper can have some recall of the dream and the closer to the end of the dream phase the sleeper awakes the more vivid is the recall of the dream.
  • the present invention seeks to provide a dream machine, arranged to detect a dream phase in sleep and to wake the dreamer at a predeterminable point in the dream to afford the dreamer recall of the dream.
  • a dream machine comprising means for detecting a dream state and means for waking the sleeper at a predetermined time directly related to the dream state.
  • said means for detecting a dream state comprise means for monitoring at least one physical condition of the sleeper known to vary between slow wave sleep periods and rapid eye movement sleep periods.
  • Physical conditions which do vary between slow wave sleep periods and rapid eye movement periods, and which can be readily monitored are, for example, heart or pulse beat, eye movement, twitching of digits and or breathing rate
  • said means for detecting a dream state comprise means for monitoring breathing rate.
  • the respiration rate in SWS is in the region of twelve to fourteen cycles per minute whilst in REM sleep the breathing rate increases and can exceed thirty cycles per minute.
  • said means for detecting a dream state comprise means for detecting changes in the monitored physical condition.
  • said machine includes comparator means, arranged to compare the monitored physical condition with a predetermined value of the physical condition.
  • the machine includes means for monitoring the physical condition being monitored over a predetermined time period, determining the maximum value of the monitored physical condition over said predetermined time period, and storing said maximum value as the predetermined value of the physical condition for comparison by the said comparator means.
  • the machine includes means for monitoring the physical condition being monitored over a predetermined time period, determining an average value for the physical condition being monitored over the said predetermined time period, adding to the said average value a preset value to obtain the said predetermined value of the physical condition, and storing said predetermined value of the physical condition for comparison by said comparator means.
  • the machine includes means for manually setting the said predetermined value of the physical condition for comparison by said comparator means.
  • the machine is characterised by an alarm and means for actuating said alarm when the comparator means - -
  • the alarm comprises a stepped audible alarm which increases in volume one a predetermined time period.
  • the machine is characterised by an alarm and means for actuating said alarm a predetermined time period after the value of the monitored physical condition has reached the said predetermined value of the physical condition.
  • the machine is characterised by a first timer, means for starting said first timer when the comparator means detects a value of the monitored physical condition equal to the said predetermined value of the physical condition, and means controlled by said short timer for actuating said alarm when said short timer has run for a predetermined time period.
  • the timer is arranged to return to its start or zero position, without actuating the said means for actuating the alarm, if the monitored physical condition falls below said predetermined value of the physical condition whilst the timer is running.
  • the machine is characterised by an alarm, arranged to be actuated only when the monitored physical condition has risen above the said predetermined value of the physical condition condition and falls to said predetermined value.
  • the machine is characterised by a long timer, arranged to run for a predetermined time period, and arranged to prevent the said means for waking the sleeper from being actuated whilst the said long timer is running.
  • the machine is characterised by an alarm, arranged to actuate immediately the detected physical condition reaches a predetermined value of the physical condition.
  • the machine is characterised by means for detecting a dream state and means for transmitting a signal to the sleeper, recognisable by the sleeper as indicative of a dream state, before the means for waking the sleeper are actuated.
  • the said signal comprises a series of pulses applied to the sleeper.
  • Fig. 1 shows, in blocked diagram form, one arrangement for a dream machine in accordance with the invention
  • Fig. 2 shows, diagrammatically and in block form, a dream machine in accordance with the invention being capable of operating in different ways.
  • a means for monitoring a physical condition of the sleeper comprises a sensor 11, which in this embodiment conveniently comprises a temperature sensitive element, is arranged in or adjacent an air duct of a sleeper to detect the differences in temperature as the sleeper inhales and exhales.
  • a monitoring means 12 is arranged to receive signals indicative of the changes of temperature from the sensor 11 and is adapted to extend a signal indicative of the breathing rate of the sleeper to a comparator device 13.
  • the comparator device 13 includes a manual control 14 by which a signal indicative of a predetermined breathing rate can be stored in the comparator 13.
  • the comparator device 13 compares the signals received from monitoring means 12 with the stored predetermined breathing rate signals and, when the said monitored breathing rate from monitoring means 12 rises above the stored predetermined breathing rate the comparator device 13 extends an actuating signal to a short timer 15.
  • the short timer 15 has a manual control 16 by which the time period for the short timer 15 can be adjusted to run and, conveniently, the short timer 1 may bra manually set to run for anv desired period between one and fifteen minutes.
  • the short timer 15 When the signal from comparator 13 to short timer 15 is maintained for the time period set for timer 15, the short timer 15, extends a signal to a long timer 17, and which may be manually adjusted to run for a period up to eight hours by a manual control 18.
  • the signal from the timer 15 to timer 17 is blocked whilst the timer 17 is running and is extended to an alarm 19, conveniently a stepped audible alarm increases in volume in time, only after the time period set by the timer 17 has run out.
  • the monitored breathing rate from device 12 is also extended to a comparator device, 20 which stores a predetermined breathing rate which may be adjusted by a manual adjustment 21, the predetermined value set for the comparator 20 is higher than that set for the comparator device 13 and whereupon, on the monitored breathing rate from the device 12 reaching the predetermined value set in the comparator 20 the comparator 20 immediately actuates a second alarm 22, which again may comprise a stepped audible alarm which increases in volume with time.
  • the intended sleeper will first set the timer 17 to a predetermined time period to allow the sleeper to enjoy an uninterrupted sleep for the period set on said timer 17, the short timer 15 will then be set to determine the length of dream from which the sleeper wishes recall and the predetermined breathing rate for triggering the comparator 13 is then set, conveniently between 17 and 22 breathing cyclo. por minute dependent upon the level of emotion the sleeper wishes to experience.
  • the sleeper will then set, using the control 21, a predetermined breathing rate above that set for the device 13, and which conveniently may lie above 28 breathing cycles per minute. It is then only necessary for the sleeper to retire and to fit the sensor 11 in one nostril, preferably using a clip which will not cause the sleeper discomfort.
  • the sensor 11 Whilst the sleeper is asleep the sensor 11 is continuously monitoring the temperature change between inhalation and exhalation and the monitoring device 12 is transmitting a signal to the comparator device 13 and to the comparator device 20 indicative of the breathing rate of the sleeper.
  • the comparator device 20 In the event that at any time during the sleep period the monitored breathing rate rises above the preset value for the comparator 20, indicative of an unpleasant dream or a nightmare, the comparator device 20 immediately actuates the alarm 22 which emits an audible alarm at a relatively low level. If the low level alarm is sufficient to disturb the sleeper from the unpleasant dream or nightmare the monitored breathing rate will fall below the predetermined level set in the comparator 20 and on such a fall below said predetermined value the signal to the alarm is terminated. In the event that the low level alarm does not disturb the sleeper and the unpleasant dream or nightmare continues the alarm 22 goes to its higher level of sound to wake the dreamer from the unpleasant dream or sleep thus to terminate the unpleasant dream or nightmare before said dream can become too fearful.
  • the device illustrated in Fig. 1 allows the sleeper to enjoy an undisturbed period of sleep whilst timer 17 is running and arouses the sleeper from any dream period after the timer 17 has run out and which dream runs longer than the period set in the timer 15. Further, the sleeper can feel confident that the comparator 20 will, throughout the sleep period, prevent the sleeper from experiencing an unpleasant dream or nightmare.
  • sensor 31 conveniently a temperature sensing device located in or adjacent the breathing duct of the sleeper, determines temperature changes between inhaling and exhaling of the sleeper and transmits this information to a monitoring means 32.
  • the monitoring means 32 receives the signals from sensor 31 and, by monitoring said signals relative to an inbuilt timer, extends a signal indicative of the monitored breathing rate to a comparator device 33 and to a smoothing device 34, which counts the number of breathing cycles indicated by the signals from monitor 32, over a period of time, calculates a mean value for the breathing rate and extends a signal indicative of the mean breathing rate over said predetermined period to a memory 35.
  • the comparator device 33 On receiving signals indicative of the monitored breathing rate from the device 32 and the stored mean breathing rate from the memory 35 the comparator device 33 compares said values and, when the monitored breathing rate from the device 32 exceeds the stored breathing rate from the device 34 by a predetermined amount the comparator device 33 emits a transmission signal which may be used in one of three modes
  • the comparator device 33 emits an activating signal to a short timer 36, set to run for a predetermined time (1 to 15 minutes) and which may be manually set by means (not shown), or which may be preset in the machine.
  • the comparator device 33 will continue to emit its transmission signal to the shirt timer 36 whilst the monitored breathing rate value from the device 32 continues to exceed the stored valve from the device and if the transmission signal from comparator device 33 terminates before the timer 36 has run through its time period the short timer 36 is re-set to zero.
  • the comparator device 33 continues to transmit its signal to the timer 36 until the timer 36 runs out a signal is extended to a long timer 37, which may be pre ⁇ set for a predetermined time period or manually adjustable to a predetermined time period, the long timer 37 runs continuously from its actuation and if a signal from timer 36 is received by timer 37 before the timer 37 has run through its preset time period the timer 37 blocks the signal from the timer 36 and the timer 36 then returns to its start position.
  • a long timer 37 which may be pre ⁇ set for a predetermined time period or manually adjustable to a predetermined time period
  • timer 37 In the event that the signal from timer 36 is received by timer 37 after the predetermined time period set for said timer 37 the timer 37 extends a signal to an alarm 38, conveniently a stepped audible alarm which increases in volume with time, to awake the sleeper.
  • the comparator 33 In its second mode for operation, indicated by the dotted line in Fig. 2, the comparator 33, on detecting a monitored breathing rate above the value stored in memory 35, extends a signal to the timer 37 and, if the timer 37 has run through its preset time period, a signal is extended to the audible alarm 38.
  • the comparator device 33 In its third mode of operation (indicated by the broken line in Fig. 2) the comparator device 33 on receiving a monitored breathing valve exceeding the stored breathing valve, transmits a signal to the long timer 37 to actuate the alarm 38 only when the comparator 33 detects the monitored breathing rate falling below the predetermined value, indicative of the end of g dream, whereupon the sleeper is woken im ed a el after the dream has terminated.
  • the device illustrated in Fig. 2 also includes a comparator device 39, pre-setable by a manual control 38, and arranged to operate in identical manner to the comparator device 20 and control 21 illustrated in Fig. 1 and, when actuated, the comparator device 39 is arranged to emit a signal to actuate an alarm 40, arranged to operate in identical manner to the alarm 22.
  • the apparatus continuously monitors a physical condition (in the embodiments the breathing rate) of the sleeper, compares the monitored physical condition with a predetermined value of the physical condition which may be manually set or determined by the apparatus and, when the monitored physical condition exceeds the predetermined value of the physical condition, wakes the sleeper during, or immediately after, the detected dream state to afford the sleeper full and vivid recall of the dream.
  • a physical condition in the embodiments the breathing rate

Abstract

L'invention concerne une machine permettant de réveiller une personne qui est en train de rêver. Dans un mode de réalisation, l'état physique du dormeur est suivi par un détecteur (11), l'état physique perçu est comparé à une valeur prédéterminée et lorsque la valeur détectée atteint la valeur prédéterminée, une alarme (19) réveille le dormeur. Dans une forme d'exécution, la valeur prédéterminée est réglée manuellement, mais dans d'autres, elle est calculée par la machine.
PCT/GB1991/000743 1990-05-10 1991-05-10 Machine a reves WO1991016853A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
RU9192016390A RU2077866C1 (ru) 1990-05-10 1991-05-10 Устройство пробуждения
AU78628/91A AU660613B2 (en) 1990-05-10 1991-05-10 Dream machine

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB909010518A GB9010518D0 (en) 1990-05-10 1990-05-10 Dream machine
GB9010518.0 1990-05-10

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1991016853A1 true WO1991016853A1 (fr) 1991-11-14

Family

ID=10675782

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB1991/000743 WO1991016853A1 (fr) 1990-05-10 1991-05-10 Machine a reves

Country Status (7)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0527857A1 (fr)
JP (1) JPH05508330A (fr)
AU (1) AU660613B2 (fr)
CA (1) CA2082644A1 (fr)
GB (1) GB9010518D0 (fr)
RU (1) RU2077866C1 (fr)
WO (1) WO1991016853A1 (fr)

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0702978A2 (fr) * 1994-09-21 1996-03-27 Medtronic, Inc. Dispositif de traitement des apnées obstructives du sommeil
DE19811206A1 (de) * 1998-03-10 1999-09-16 Hagen Malberg Verfahren und Vorrichtung eines schlafgesteuertem Wecksystems mit integrierter Überwachungsfunktion physiologischer Parameter
US6540664B1 (en) * 1999-11-26 2003-04-01 Bruce Blair Apparatus for facilitating analysis of dream activity
WO2004091709A1 (fr) * 2003-04-16 2004-10-28 Richard Charles Clark Dispositif de gestion du sommeil
US7170994B2 (en) 2003-10-15 2007-01-30 Motorola, Inc. Method and apparatus for selecting an alert mode based on user biometrics
GB2459087A (en) * 2008-04-07 2009-10-14 Jeremy Hacking Sleep monitoring and inducement apparatus

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3802417A (en) * 1968-12-21 1974-04-09 V Lang Device for combined monitoring and stimulation of respiration
US4420001A (en) * 1979-01-19 1983-12-13 Hearne Keith M T Respiratory measuring devices
US4715367A (en) * 1986-09-15 1987-12-29 Crossley Robert B Multifunctional behavioral modification device for snoring, bruxism, and apnea

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3802417A (en) * 1968-12-21 1974-04-09 V Lang Device for combined monitoring and stimulation of respiration
US4420001A (en) * 1979-01-19 1983-12-13 Hearne Keith M T Respiratory measuring devices
US4715367A (en) * 1986-09-15 1987-12-29 Crossley Robert B Multifunctional behavioral modification device for snoring, bruxism, and apnea

Non-Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
IEEE Proceedings of the 12th Annual Northeast Bioengineering Conference 14 March 1986, New York (US) pages 51 - 54; M.L. Kejariwal et al.: "Microprocessor-Based Home Monitor for SID Syndrome" see page 54, Section "Microprocessor Software" *
MEDICAL AND BIOLOGICAL ENGINEERING AND COMPUTING. vol. 21, no. 5, September 1893, STEVENAGE GB pages 632 - 635; J. Peirick et al.: "Automated apnoea detection by computer: analysis of tracheal breath sounds" see page 633, section 2.3 "Computer software" *

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0702978A2 (fr) * 1994-09-21 1996-03-27 Medtronic, Inc. Dispositif de traitement des apnées obstructives du sommeil
EP0702978A3 (fr) * 1994-09-21 1998-05-06 Medtronic, Inc. Dispositif de traitement des apnées obstructives du sommeil
DE19811206A1 (de) * 1998-03-10 1999-09-16 Hagen Malberg Verfahren und Vorrichtung eines schlafgesteuertem Wecksystems mit integrierter Überwachungsfunktion physiologischer Parameter
US6540664B1 (en) * 1999-11-26 2003-04-01 Bruce Blair Apparatus for facilitating analysis of dream activity
WO2004091709A1 (fr) * 2003-04-16 2004-10-28 Richard Charles Clark Dispositif de gestion du sommeil
US7170994B2 (en) 2003-10-15 2007-01-30 Motorola, Inc. Method and apparatus for selecting an alert mode based on user biometrics
GB2459087A (en) * 2008-04-07 2009-10-14 Jeremy Hacking Sleep monitoring and inducement apparatus

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP0527857A1 (fr) 1993-02-24
RU2077866C1 (ru) 1997-04-27
AU7862891A (en) 1991-11-27
GB9010518D0 (en) 1990-07-04
JPH05508330A (ja) 1993-11-25
AU660613B2 (en) 1995-07-06
CA2082644A1 (fr) 1991-11-11

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